How do you put into words an event that changed, shaped, and molded you into a completely different person? How do you describe feelings that you experienced in new and deeper levels and how those feelings didn’t always reflect the present reality? How do you explain how God taught me in ten days what would normally have taken a year or more?
Training camp was a whirlwind. Every day was packed full of sessions, worship, exercise, and team bonding activities. Almost every night we had crazy scenarios that my squad and I had to work through. In addition to all of this we had no AC, could only use overflowing porta-potties, and take cold, bucket showers. I slept in a tent, a makeshift shelter, or my hammock every night.
As crazy and as hard as this may seem, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. I made friends with complete strangers. I learned so much about ministry and working with others in vulnerable community. I learned that I am flawed, and in my weakness, God makes me strong. I ate a cricket! (I have video proof). I grew deeper in my relationship with God, and I will never be the same again.
The greatest thing that I learned was that I can’t do it. I can’t do this 9 month mission trip. I can’t bring people to Christ. I can’t fundraise $13,805. If I try to do this adventure on my own, I will fail. I will go into it fighting for all that it is worth, but eventually I will tap out and quit. It is God who told me to go on this trip. It is God who will give me the strength for each day. It is God who will provide the money I need to go. It is God who will bring people to Himself. It is God who will continue to shape and mold me to be more and more like Him. He is the Potter, and I am the Clay. He is the One who is shaping this journey and me into His beautiful and perfect master plan.
So, without further ado, I would like to intoduce you to Team Alegre!!
Alegre means joyful in Spanish, and it describes this group of women so well! I cannot wait to do ministry with them and grow closer to God as a group. I know He has great adventures ahead for us.
Speaking of adventures, I am going to Cambodia!!!!!! Half-way through training camp they explained to us that you can only get a two month visa in Thailand, so my route now looks like this:
Cambodia-1 Month
Thailand-2 Months
Malawi-3 Months
Guatemala-3 Months
I am so excited for what God has in store for me and the people I will be serving! I have no idea what it will look like, but I know that it will be good!
Fundraising!
I have now raised $8,437!!!!!!! Thank you so much to everyone who has donated and especially to my anonymous donors! My next financial deadline is for $10,000, and I need to raise $1,563 more by September 16th. Please note that if you would like to partner with me financially, you will need to donate by September 12th in order for the money to process in time. Please let me know if you make a donation that close to the deadline so I can make sure I get all of the money to them on time. You can do so by emailing: [email protected].
Prayer Requests!
I will use these last 6 weeks with my family wisely and steward them well.
I will be fully funded by the time I launch: October 2nd.
I would start living ‘on mission’ for the Kingdom even now, before my trip.
I would be given peace about leaving my family for a year.
I am sending out monthly prayer letters every month starting in August. If you would like to be a part of my prayer support team, please simply send me an email to let me know, and I will add you to it.
May the King of kings bless you!
~ Ashlyn
